Deal for Harden comes as nice surprise for Morey

Daryl Morey wasn’t sure if the Rockets had the right assets to land James Harden. ( Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle )

Talks began in July, cooled through the summer and then heated up again in the weeks before training camp.

But by the time the Oklahoma City Thunder were close to their self-imposed deadline to sign guard James Harden to a long-term contract or trade him, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey’s optimism had faded. He went to his son’s soccer game.

“They definitely made a decision to explore moving him over the summer,” Morey said. “It intensified in September. I thought if they were going to move him it would be before training camp. When they didn’t, I thought the window had closed.”

He was wrong. Thunder general manager Sam Presti knew he could get the best offers for Harden if he were willing to move him in time for a team to sign Harden to a long-term extension. That meant simultaneously negotiating with Harden in hopes of keeping him and talking with general managers about the structure of a deal to trade him.

Moves in the making

The Rockets were retooled to position themselves for that kind of deal. They did not, Morey said, have Harden in mind at the time. They chose Jeremy Lamb with the 12th pick of last year’s draft because they believed him to be the best player available. They had traded Kyle Lowry to Toronto to get the Raptors’ first-round pick because Morey had come to find that other general managers would only move a star for a deal to include a lottery pick.

The Rockets talked with Orlando about Dwight Howard, but those talks did not advance as far as they had at the 2012 trade deadline. But Morey had the assets when Presti began exploring his options. By September, Presti had heard from Morey enough to have a good idea of how much he could get.

“Sam knew we were very interested in James,” Morey said. “In the end, it was over a two-week period. We talked once a day where we trade ideas. We had talked so much before October, the parameters about what each team would do were pretty well established.”

By then it became clear the pick from Toronto was key.

“We obviously wanted to hold on to that draft pick,” Morey said. “Whenever we tried to take it out, they made sure it stayed in.”

Presti had spoken with other teams. There were reports he sought a deal with Golden State centered on Klay Thompson. But Morey believed he could make the best offer by sending Oklahoma City help in the form of Kevin Martin, a strong guard for the future in Lamb and the sort of draft pick the Thunder would not have for years given the strength of the team.

“They were upfront they were going to go to James one more time and see if they could sign him and, if they couldn’t, would move him to one of the teams they were talking to,” Morey said. “I thought we had made the best offer, but I thought James would probably sign. I was wrong.”

At about 1 p.m. Oct. 27, Presti called to take the deal. The next hours were filled with the usual trade mechanics of calls to doctors, lawyers, agents, players and the league.

When Presti called, Harden did not expect to be moving, and knew little of the options, less about the Rockets.

“It happened very quickly,” Harden said. “One minute I was at dinner with my family. The next minute I’m heading to Houston.”

Morey went to work, knowing the Rockets’ future was about to change, and that of all the times he thought he was close to that life-changing move, the time he did not expect it, it finally happened.

He does have one regret: “I didn’t get to see the rest of the (soccer) game.”

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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May 3: Thunder 103, Rockets 94

The Rockets season came to a close in front of a rowdy crowd at Toyota Center as the Thunder closed out the best-of-seven series in Game 6.Thunder win series 4-2

May 3: Thunder 103, Rockets 94

The Rockets season came to a close in front of a rowdy crowd at Toyota Center as the Thunder closed out the best-of-seven series in Game 6.Thunder win series 4-2

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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May 1: Rockets 107, Thunder 100

The Rockets kept their playoff lives alive by knocking off OKC, at home, in a hostile environment.
Thunder lead series 3-2

May 1: Rockets 107, Thunder 100

The Rockets kept their playoff lives alive by knocking off OKC, at home, in a hostile environment.
Thunder lead series 3-2

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 29: Rockets 105, Thunder 103

Chandler Parsons led the way as the NBA's youngest team won its first playoff game against Oklahoma City.
Thunder lead series 3-1

April 29: Rockets 105, Thunder 103

Chandler Parsons led the way as the NBA's youngest team won its first playoff game against Oklahoma City.
Thunder lead series 3-1

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 27: Thunder 104, Rockets 101

Houston rallied from a tremendous deficit but could not stop Kevin Durant in the closing minutes.
Thunder lead series 3-0

April 27: Thunder 104, Rockets 101

Houston rallied from a tremendous deficit but could not stop Kevin Durant in the closing minutes.
Thunder lead series 3-0

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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April 24: Thunder 105, Rockets 102

Houston was much improved in its second playoff game, but couldn't put the finishing touches on a fourth-quarter rally.
Thunder lead series 2-0

April 24: Thunder 105, Rockets 102

Houston was much improved in its second playoff game, but couldn't put the finishing touches on a fourth-quarter rally.
Thunder lead series 2-0

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 21: Thunder 120, Rockets 91

The Rockets fell into a 1-0 hole against the No. 1 Thunder after an embarrassing loss in Oklahoma City to open the series.
Thunder lead series 1-0

April 21: Thunder 120, Rockets 91

The Rockets fell into a 1-0 hole against the No. 1 Thunder after an embarrassing loss in Oklahoma City to open the series.
Thunder lead series 1-0

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 18: Lakers 99, Rockets 95

Houston let a lead slip away, allowing Los Angeles to finish ahead in the final regular-season standings.
Record: 45-37.

April 18: Lakers 99, Rockets 95

Houston let a lead slip away, allowing Los Angeles to finish ahead in the final regular-season standings.
Record: 45-37.

Photo: Jae C. Hong / Associated Press

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April 15: Suns 119, Rockets 112

The Rockets couldn't knock off the lowly Suns in Phoenix as the regular season nears its end.
Record: 45-36.

April 15: Suns 119, Rockets 112

The Rockets couldn't knock off the lowly Suns in Phoenix as the regular season nears its end.
Record: 45-36.

Photo: Matt York / Associated Press

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April 14: Rockets 121, Kings 100

The Rockets took care of the Kings in the regular season home finale behind James Harden's 29 points.
Record: 45-35.

April 14: Rockets 121, Kings 100

The Rockets took care of the Kings in the regular season home finale behind James Harden's 29 points.
Record: 45-35.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 12: Grizzlies 82, Rockets 78

A 30-point performance by James Harden wasn't enough for Houston to finish the comeback against Memphis.
Record: 44-35.

April 12: Grizzlies 82, Rockets 78

A 30-point performance by James Harden wasn't enough for Houston to finish the comeback against Memphis.
Record: 44-35.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 9: Rockets 101, Suns 98

The Rockets came away with a win against the Suns after James Harden's last second 3-pointer was counted due to goaltending by Suns center Jermaine O'Neal.
Record: 44-34.

April 9: Rockets 101, Suns 98

The Rockets came away with a win against the Suns after James Harden's last second 3-pointer was counted due to goaltending by Suns center Jermaine O'Neal.
Record: 44-34.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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April 6: Nuggets 132, Rockets 114

Houston had trouble containing an athletic Denver team, losing all four games to the Nuggets this season.
Record: 43-34.

April 6: Nuggets 132, Rockets 114

Houston had trouble containing an athletic Denver team, losing all four games to the Nuggets this season.
Record: 43-34.

With almost a fully healthy roster, Houston outlasted Sacramento at the Sleep Train Arena.
Record: 42-33.

April 3: Rockets 112, Kings 102

With almost a fully healthy roster, Houston outlasted Sacramento at the Sleep Train Arena.
Record: 42-33.

Photo: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press

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April 1: Rockets 111, Magic 103

Omer Asik (22 points and 18 rebounds) led the Harden and Parson-less Rockets to a huge first half lead and then let the backups take care of business in the fourth quarter against the lowly Magic.
Record: 41-33. less

April 1: Rockets 111, Magic 103

Omer Asik (22 points and 18 rebounds) led the Harden and Parson-less Rockets to a huge first half lead and then let the backups take care of business in the fourth quarter ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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March 30: Rockets 98, Clippers 81

Chandler Parsons throws down two of his 15 points during the blowout victory.
Record: 40-33.

March 30: Rockets 98, Clippers 81

Chandler Parsons throws down two of his 15 points during the blowout victory.
Record: 40-33.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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March 29: Grizzlies 103, Rockets 94

With the loss, Memphis moved up 2-1 over Houston in the season series.
Record: 39-33.

March 29: Grizzlies 103, Rockets 94

With the loss, Memphis moved up 2-1 over Houston in the season series.
Record: 39-33.

Photo: Danny Johnston / Associated Press

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March 27: Pacers 100, Rockets 91

Indiana is the NBA's top defensive unit and they came to Houston and effectively shut down the league's top offensive unit.
Record: 39-32.

March 27: Pacers 100, Rockets 91

Indiana is the NBA's top defensive unit and they came to Houston and effectively shut down the league's top offensive unit.
Record: 39-32.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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March 24: Rockets 96, Spurs 95

James Harden hit the game-winning jumper with just under five seconds left as the Rockets held off the Spurs in the heat of the playoff race.
Record: 39-31.

March 24: Rockets 96, Spurs 95

James Harden hit the game-winning jumper with just under five seconds left as the Rockets held off the Spurs in the heat of the playoff race.
Record: 39-31.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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March 22: Rockets 116, Cavaliers 78

Houston's reserve players got to play in the fourth quarter and the Rockets took control against Cleveland long before the end of regulation.
Record: 38-31.

March 22: Rockets 116, Cavaliers 78

Houston's reserve players got to play in the fourth quarter and the Rockets took control against Cleveland long before the end of regulation.
Record: 38-31.

The Rockets watched a 19-point lead after three quarters shrink quickly in the closing minutes, but thanks to some clutch drives by Jeremy Lin and great free throw shooting by James Harden they were able to hold on for their 37th victory of the season.
Record: 37-31. less

March 20: Rockets 100, Jazz 93

The Rockets watched a 19-point lead after three quarters shrink quickly in the closing minutes, but thanks to some clutch drives by Jeremy Lin and great free throw shooting by ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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March 17: Warriors 108, Rockets 78

A cold start from the field led to the worst loss of the season for James Harden and Co.
Record: 36-31.

March 17: Warriors 108, Rockets 78

A cold start from the field led to the worst loss of the season for James Harden and Co.
Record: 36-31.

James Harden's first career triple-double led the Rockets to a hard-fought win against the Bobcats. Patrick Patterson contributed 14 fourth quarter points.
Record: 26-23.

Feb. 2: Rockets 109, Bobcats 95

James Harden's first career triple-double led the Rockets to a hard-fought win against the Bobcats. Patrick Patterson contributed 14 fourth quarter points.
Record: 26-23.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Chronicle

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Jan. 30: Nuggets 118, Rockets 110

James Harden scored 21 points, but Danilo Gallinari's 27 points (15 in the second half) led the Nuggets to the win.
Record: 25-23.

Jan. 30: Nuggets 118, Rockets 110

James Harden scored 21 points, but Danilo Gallinari's 27 points (15 in the second half) led the Nuggets to the win.
Record: 25-23.

Photo: Joe Mahoney / Associated Press

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Jan. 26: Rockets 125, Jazz 80

Utah had a difficult time containing Houston, as the Rockets won their third consecutive contest. Jeremy Lin had 12 points and seven assists
Record: 25-22.

Jan. 26: Rockets 125, Jazz 80

Utah had a difficult time containing Houston, as the Rockets won their third consecutive contest. Jeremy Lin had 12 points and seven assists
Record: 25-22.

Photo: Rick Bowmer / Associated Press

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Jan. 26: Rockets 119, Nets 106

The Rockets were unstoppable on offense in this one, putting up 119 points on Brooklyn.
Record: 24-22.

Jan. 26: Rockets 119, Nets 106

The Rockets were unstoppable on offense in this one, putting up 119 points on Brooklyn.
Record: 24-22.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Jan. 25: Rockets 100, Hornets 82

The Rockets won three out of four games against New Orleans this season.
Record: 23-22.

Jan. 25: Rockets 100, Hornets 82

The Rockets won three out of four games against New Orleans this season.
Record: 23-22.

Photo: Gerald Herbert / Associated Press

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Jan. 23: Nuggets 105, Rockets 95

The Nuggets used a 36-22 third quarter differential to coast to an easy win in Houston.
Record: 22-22.

Jan. 23: Nuggets 105, Rockets 95

The Nuggets used a 36-22 third quarter differential to coast to an easy win in Houston.
Record: 22-22.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Jan. 21: Rockets 100, Bobcats 94

James Harden scored a team-high 29 points and Carlos Delfino added 16 off the bench as the Rockets snapped their seven-game losing streak.
Record: 22-21.

Jan. 21: Rockets 100, Bobcats 94

James Harden scored a team-high 29 points and Carlos Delfino added 16 off the bench as the Rockets snapped their seven-game losing streak.
Record: 22-21.

Photo: Chuck Burton / Associated Press

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Jan. 19: Timberwolves 92, Rockets 79

Cold shooting and turnovers lead to more losing as the Rockets dropped a seventh game in a row.
Record: 21-21.

Jan. 19: Timberwolves 92, Rockets 79

Cold shooting and turnovers lead to more losing as the Rockets dropped a seventh game in a row.
Record: 21-21.

Photo: Stacy Bengs / Associated Press

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Jan. 18: Pacers 105, Rockets 95

The Rockets couldn't keep up with the red-hot shooting by the Pacers (46% from the field, 58% for 3s) and fell to 7-13 on the road this season.
Record: 21-20.

Jan. 18: Pacers 105, Rockets 95

The Rockets couldn't keep up with the red-hot shooting by the Pacers (46% from the field, 58% for 3s) and fell to 7-13 on the road this season.
Record: 21-20.

Photo: Darron Cummings / Associated Press

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Jan. 16: Mavericks 105, Rockets 100

The Rockets were able to tie the game up in the fourth quarter before the Mavericks sealed their fate in the closing minutes. The Rockets have now lost 13 straight games to division opponents when playing away from Toyota Center.
Record: 21-19. less

Jan. 16: Mavericks 105, Rockets 100

The Rockets were able to tie the game up in the fourth quarter before the Mavericks sealed their fate in the closing minutes. The Rockets have now lost 13 straight games to ... more

Photo: Paul Moseley / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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Jan. 15: Clippers 117, Rockets 109

Even without star point guard Chris Paul, Los Angeles made easy work of the Rockets. Houston lost it's fourth consecutive game.
Record: 21-18.

Jan. 15: Clippers 117, Rockets 109

Even without star point guard Chris Paul, Los Angeles made easy work of the Rockets. Houston lost it's fourth consecutive game.
Record: 21-18.